Wireless speakers: Big sound in small packages

Wireless Speakers

Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

They deliver a ton of sound from packages that can weigh less than a pound: portable wireless speakers, small and light enough to carry in one hand from the kitchen to the patio, or from the car to your favorite beach (as long as music hasn't been banned along with throwing footballs and having fun). We tested the latest models with rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth technology for cord-free music via phone, iPad or laptop. Letter grades are weighted heavily on sound quality but also take into account features, price and portability. A cool look? Why, that could earn the speaker a little extra credit.

They deliver a ton of sound from packages that can weigh less than a pound: portable wireless speakers, small and light enough to carry in one hand from the kitchen to the patio, or from the car to your favorite beach (as long as music hasn't been banned along with throwing footballs and having fun). We tested the latest models with rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth technology for cord-free music via phone, iPad or laptop. Letter grades are weighted heavily on sound quality but also take into account features, price and portability. A cool look? Why, that could earn the speaker a little extra credit. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Jawbone's Jambox is the LeBron James of the compact Bluetooth speaker game: Every time a new kid arrives on the block, pundits proclaim it's better. If that's the case, though, why is everyone still using the Jambox as the benchmark? With an enhanced sound feature called LiveAudio, the speaker can handle tremendous bass without sacrificing clarity. The drawback is volume: The Jambox maxes out at a lower level than some of the others. It is, however, the most compact of the bunch and comes with nice features, including one button to answer, ignore or end speakerphone calls. Suggested retail: $200 Final grade: A-

Jawbone's Jambox is the LeBron James of the compact Bluetooth speaker game: Every time a new kid arrives on the block, pundits proclaim it's better. If that's the case, though, why is everyone still using the Jambox as the benchmark? With an enhanced sound feature called LiveAudio, the speaker can handle tremendous bass without sacrificing clarity. The drawback is volume: The Jambox maxes out at a lower level than some of the others. It is, however, the most compact of the bunch and comes with nice features, including one button to answer, ignore or end speakerphone calls. Suggested retail: $200 Final grade: A- (Jawbone)